Ahtisa Manalo Signs with Sparkle, Hopes to Work with Alden Richards

After years of representing the Philippines on the international pageant stage, Ahtisa Manalo is stepping into a new chapter of her career—this time in the entertainment industry.

The beauty queen, who finished as First Runner-Up at Miss International 2018 and 3rd Runner-Up at Miss Universe 2025, has officially signed with Sparkle GMA Artist Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, marking her transition from pageantry to showbiz.

The signing ceremony was attended by key industry figures including Empire Artist Management Vice President Mau De Leon, GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, and Sparkle First Vice President Joy Marcelo.

Manalo will now be co-managed by Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Empire Artist Management, the organization that holds the Miss Universe Philippines franchise.

For many fans, Ahtisa Manalo has long been admired not only for her beauty but also for her intelligence, grace, and strong stage presence. Her journey in pageantry brought pride to the Philippines, particularly during her impressive performances in international competitions.

Her near-win at Miss International 2018, where she placed as First Runner-Up, first put her on the global map. Last year, she returned to the international spotlight and secured a 3rd Runner-Up finish at Miss Universe 2025, the controversial edition when Mexico won. According to pageant experts, her remarkable performance at the 74th edition of the said pageant which was held in Thailand should have won her the crown or the first runner up title to say the least. Nevertheless, Ahtisa solidified her reputation as one of the country’s strongest beauty ambassadors.

Now, Manalo is ready to explore new opportunities beyond the pageant stage.

By signing with Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Manalo is expected to pursue projects in television, film, and other media platforms under the GMA Network. Her co-management with Empire Artist Management also signals continued support from the organization that helped shape her pageant career.

During the mediacon, a member of the press asked the former beauty queen if she had a dream leading man in the Kapuso Network and if he should be taller than her.

“I used to watch Eat Bulaga and my crush before was Alden Richards. He has a ‘maamo’ face and he looks like he’s very kind,” she said.